handbook cisc - 2013.14

CISC Handbook 2013-14

Secondary

office phone:

96 142 41 74

Email:

[email protected]

CISC HANDBOOK Caxton International Study Centre

Specialised Study Programme to prepape students

for entry into the British educational system


CISC 1 & CISC 2

HANDBOOK

WELCOME!

Dear Parents,

We are delighted to welcome your son or daughter to the CISC

programme (Caxton international study centre).

Within this handbook I hope that you will find all the useful

information that you and your child requires to enjoy a great year at

Caxton College. As well as lots of practical information concerning

the running of the school, we have also included advice and

recommendations from the Heads of Department involved in your

child’s education.

We aim to provide your child with a secure and friendly working

environment, in which the academic and social features of learning

can prosper. For this reason, we ask us to join us in supporting your

son or daughter in all their endeavours.

Amparo Gil Marqués

Principal

CONTENTS

Secondary Educational

System ................................. 2

Tutorials ................................ 3

Assessment & Reporting......4

Core Subjects & Aims ...........5

Core Subjects. ....................... 6

-Non-core subjects..............15

Complementary Activities...22

House System .....................23

Progression Policy...............24

-Monitoring of “At Risk”

Students..............................24

Extra-Curricular Activities....25

Homework............................25

Practical Information...........26

-School material ................26

- School uniform .................26

-Transport ............................26


THE SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

SPANISH SYSTEM BRITISH SYSTEM CYCLES EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

6º Primaria Year 7 KEY

STAGE 3

1º ESO Year 8

2º ESO Year 9 (Y9-E) IGCSE ESL

3º ESO Year 10 KEY STAGE 4

4º ESO Year 11 (Y11-E) IGCSE

1º Bachillerato Year 12 SIXTH FORM

AS level/

Advanced level 2º Bachillerato Year 13

The Secondary school in Caxton College

encompasses three full key stages, divided as

follows: ‘Key Stage 3’ (Years 7 to 9), ‘Key Stage

4’ (Years 10 & 11) and ‘Sixth Form’ (Years 12 &

13).

This period covers the teenage years of our

students (from 11 to 18 years old), which is why

we consider this to be the ideal time, not only to

instil in them good study habits, but also to

make them responsible for their own actions and

decisions, to show them how to make the best

use of their leisure time and, of course, to try to

mould them into better people.

In Year 10, students start their 4th and final

obligatory key stage, a very important stage in

their education, lasting 2 years.

At this time, the tightly-linked cooperation of

teachers, parents and students is essential. As a

result of this collaboration between the school

and the home, our students obtain excellent

results with which to apply for University, while,

on the way, they grow into excellent individuals.

Caxton College is a recognised examination

centre for the University of Cambridge

examination board (CIE) as well as the Edexcel

London Board. In Year 9 students sit IGCSE ESL

(English as a Second Language), so that they can

focus on the EFL (First Language English) exam

for IGCSE throughout Years 10 and 11. In Year

11 pupils sit their IGCSE exams (International

General Certificate of Secondary Education),

thereby enabling them to obtain the Certificate

of ESO in the Spanish system (Certificate of

Obligatory Secondary Education).

The IGCSE exams are a very important part of

our students’ education, given that they will need

the highest possible grades in order to progress

without difficulties in Sixth form. Students begin

preparing for them in Year 10, and they sit the

exams at the end of Year 11. Access to Sixth

Form depends on both their IGCSE grades as

well as Spanish Language and Social Sciences.

In Years 12 and 13 students take AS and A2

levels (“A” levels).

At present, in order to gain access to Spanish

Universities, students submit their A Level

grades as well as those obtained in 2 extra

Spanish subjects which are chosen by the

students themselves, depending on the career

they wish to follow in the future.

Major challenges in CISC 1 and 2:

CISC 1 will have to choose their optional

subjects if they move into Year 10 ; CISC2

their 3 A level options.

To improve their English level enough to

join mainstream and to master the basics

of Spanish

Both will sit the IGCSE in ESL; CISC 2 will

take 5 more IGCSEs.

2

"Accept responsibility for your actions, and adopt a healthy attitude to life”

Y9E — CISC 1

Y11E – CISC 2


The students have the help of a tutor throughout

Secondary school. Students meet their tutor first thing

every morning.

The tutor is responsible for monitoring individual

students and, with this aim in mind, holds one-to-one

interviews with them periodically to give them any

support or advice they may need.

Y9-E, which is the form name of CISC 1, and Y11-E

which is CISC 2, will have 1 teaching period with the

tutor per week to enable more time to monitor pro-

gress, develop study skills and get to discuss any prob-

lems.

As well as the meetings with tutors held by the school,

parents can always request a personal interview to talk

about their child’s progress whenever they wish.

In order to achieve fluid communication between the

school and parents, our web page includes a private

area for parents, where they can send and receive

emails, see their child’s Progress List which is updated

weekly, see term grades and receive documentation

such as handbooks, talks from the Psychologist and

other items of interest.

Career Skills:

Great importance is placed upon the human and

personal development of our pupils, as we consider

this to be fundamental to a balanced and well

rounded education.

Y9-E Career Skills:

Throughout secondary school students attend one

class a week in Personal and social education. This is

a time for thought and for personal and group

reflection, following a programme of Education and

Values.

Y11-E IGCSE in Global Citizenship:

This course covers a wide range of issues including

the following content:

How do communities develop?

Does democracy work?

How does technology change communities?

Can we create a fairer world?

Can I make a difference?

The activities contained in the programme are

designed to develop awareness of world issues as

well as local issues, this also involves taking part in a

local community project. It will result in a final exam

of 2 hours .

Meet the Tutors...

3

Joshua Ball

Y9-E (CISC 1) Lewis Wright

TUTORIALS


4

Exams held in school are carried out under formal

examination conditions.

They are very important in order to consolidate

knowledge and to gain an objective picture of a child’s

progress.

They also prepare students for future external

examinations.

If a student misses an exam or tests, they must provide a

medical certificate. If not, they will receive a zero mark.

If a student has an unjustified absent the day before an

examination, they will not be allowed to sit the exam, and

they will receive a zero grade.

In Y9-E there are three assessment periods for which

you will receive an end of term graded report, the third

term will end in internal examination in science and

maths and an external examination in English second

language (IGCSE ESL), if progressing into Year 10. Y11-

E has two assessment periods, with the third ending

with the final external IGCSE (International General

Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations.

The end of term reports are graded A-E and an have an

effort grade 1-5.

At the end of the year, any CISC pupils who fail to

achieve at least a grade C in any subject will be required

to sit an exam in September.

Please note that these

grades will often feature a

+ or – sign to indicate a

student’s position in

relation to the actual

criteria, and provides

better differentiation

among the students. For

example a C+ would indicate achievement heading in

the direction of improvement towards the next grade,

whereas a C- serves to illustrate that the student is

falling short of a grade.

Achievement:

A Works consistently above the average target level for his/her age.

B Sometimes works above the average target level for his/her age.

C Works at the average target level for his/her age.

D Usually achieves less than the average target level for his/her age.

E Always achieves less than the average target level for his/her age.

Effort:

1 Always works to his/her best ability.

2 Usually does more than is asked of him/her.

3 Only does what is asked of him/her.

4 Sometimes needs to be more motivated.

5 Often works at an unsatisfactory level.

Personal

Development:

Shows respect to others. A: Always

B: Nearly always

C: Usually

D: Only on occasions

E: Hardly ever

Co-operates with others.

Is obedient and polite.

Takes responsibility for own actions.

Takes care with personal appearance.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUTATION

EXAMINATIONS AND TESTS — IMPORTANT INFORMATION


5

Year 9-E

The main aim of this course is to rapidly develop

language skills and knowledge of core subjects to

correspond with mainstream Year 9 students to enable

them to successfully enter the Year 10 IGCSE

programme.

Year 11-E

The main aim of this course is to rapidly develop

language skills and knowledge of core subjects to

correspond with mainstream Year 11 allowing

Year 11-E students to continue into Year 12 and

complete the A level programme.

The four subjects have different policies which are

outlined below.

English as a Second Language

More English lessons per week than mainstream

allow fast track language teaching

Small group sizes allow for more one to one

support

Better tailoring to individual needs

Thorough preparation for the IGCSE ESL

examination

Science

Year 9-E mirror the Year 9 Key Stage 3 course, but is

allotted extra time to develop gaps in language and

knowledge skills.

Successful completion of the course and entrance into

the Year 10 Double Science award classes will depend

on the grade achieved.

Year 11-E will follow only one science IGCSE in

Physics, leading to the final single award.

Maths

Year 9-E will mirror the Year 9 curriculum, with extra

support within the small group. They will undertake the

same assessment programme of mainstream school to

enable successful transition into the Year 10 IGCSE

Maths programme .

Year 11-E will follow the full IGCSE in Maths

programme in preparation for the final exam.

Spanish as a Second Language

Year 9-E and Year 11-E will learn Spanish as a foreign

language and follow a programme to develop the

knowledge and grasp of Spanish in writing, reading,

listening and speaking.

Only Year 11-E will follow the IGCSE programme for

Spanish resulting in the final examination and

qualification.

Year 11-E will have the target of obtaining 4

International GCSEs over the duration of an academic

year.

Whilst Year 9-E will have the target of obtaining the

required level in the 4 core subjects for entrance into

the year 10 full IGCSE programme or entrance into

mainstream Year 9 depending on the age.

Y9-E & Y11-E CORE SUBJECTS & AIMS


Year 9-E core subjects: include British

curriculum subjects from Year 9 and Spanish

language.

English Second Language (ESL) and Literature,

Maths, General Science, Spanish Language.

Year 11-E core subjects: will follow the IGCSE

curriculums of: Spanish Language, English

Second Language (ESL) and literature, Maths

and Physics.

6

Assessment Policy: Assessment is ongoing

throughout the year, both in class (through

conversation, essays, class participation, etc.) and

by means of homework. End of term exams will be

given, however the final grade will be obtained by

means of an external examination. (IGCSE ESL).

The students will sit the exam in the school but the

papers will be marked externally in the United

Kingdom. Students should receive their grades for

their IGCSE ESL in mid august.

Progress ion in mainstream

depends on the individual's

attitude throughout the year, their

progress and their final grade.

Homework: Homework is given two to three times

per week and students are expected to spend

approximately 35 minutes on it .

Nº of classes per 2-week cycle: 10

External exams: At the end of the year all the

students will sit the IGCSE examination in English

as a Second Language’. This exam will take place

at the end of May or start of June.

Web Pages:

www.bbc.co.uk/KS3bitesize/

english

www.revisionaid.co.uk

www.channel4.com/learning

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites

CISC CORE SUBJECTS

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE Teacher: Joshua Ball

❝One language sets you in a

corridor for life. Two languages

open every door along the

way.❞

‒Frank Smith


7

ENGLISH LITERATURE YEAR 9-E &

YEAR 11-E OVERVIEW Teacher: Joshua Ball

This class is intended to enrich students ’ study of the

English language. Students will read a range of

literature – prose, poetry and drama – and develop

skills in analysing and commenting on the author’s

craft. They will also write creatively, use visual aids

and use drama to explore texts and ideas.

Assessment Policy: Assessment is on going

throughout the year, both in class (through

conversation, drama, essays etc) and by means of

homework.

Homework: Homework is given once per week and

students are expected to spend approximately one

hour on it.


Recommendations to students:

Read additional literary texts in English. Reading

independently is a great way to develop language

skills. The library has a range of books and

students can also ask for recommendations from

their teacher.

Get a good dictionary and bring it to every lesson

to look up unfamiliar words.

Use a dictionary when doing homework. This will

help you to understand the texts we study.

Get a thesaurus and use it in class and homework

to broaden and vary vocabulary your child’s

reading ability and comprehension.

Remember that talking about reading is very

important, so discussing a book will also help to

develop their reading comprehension skills .

Keep reading time relaxed, comfortable and

pleasurable; a quiet place, with the television turned

off is best.

As your child progresses, talk about authors,

characters, themes and plots or what new

information has been learnt .

If your child reads silently ask him/her to re-tell the

part that has been read and encourage the 'pointing

out' of relevant sections in the text.

If your child has hobbies and interests, encourage

him/her to read about these in English.


8

ENGLISH LITERATURE Y9-E Teacher: Joshua Ball

Term One Term Two Term Three

Writing to persuade Magazines Boy in the striped

Pyjamas

Robinson Crusoe Short stories Romeo and Juliet

Fairytales Poetry

ENGLISH LITERATURE Y11-E Teacher: Lewis Wright

Term One Term Two Term Three

Of Mice and Men Private Peaceful Brave New World

Horror Stories Short Stories Merchant of Venice

Poetry


Main Objectives are:

Express themselves with Basic

languages.

Understand basic enunciations.

Make and answer questions

about personal topics.

Express themselves through non-

verbal communication.

Describe people, objects and

places.

Express their likes and

preferences.

Manage their daily routines.

Write simple sentences using

connectors.

Understand, interpret and bring

out points of discussions,

phrases and expressions in

areas of priority information,

shoppings instructions. and

other useful language for

everyday life.)

Homework: Once a week. It is

important for the homework to be

supervised at home.

Assessment Policy: Regular tests as

well as projects throughout the year

which go to make up the term

grades. The final grade will be the

average of the three term grades

plus the end of year exam (30%).

Web pages:

Real Academia de la Lengua:

www.rae.es

Instituto Cervantes:

www.cvc.cervantes.es

Nº of classes per 2-week cycle : 10

Recommendations:

Encourage students to read, and

to consider it an important part of

their education.

Students are advised to practice

speaking with other Spanish

student and in their daily life

9

Year 9-E students, being new to Spanish, will start at the basic level, therefore

the Spanish taught is aimed at giving them a good grounding in understanding

the language of daily life

SPANISH LANGUAGE Y9-E Teacher: Inma Gaspar


FAST-TRACK to IGCSE in Spanish

Course Structure: Y11-E students will learn Spanish in a one year concentrated

course of study covering listening, speaking , writing and reading.

The Aim of the course is to:

1. Develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical

communication within the country of residence.

2. Form a sound base of the skills and aptitudes required for further language

study and develop a fuller awareness of the nature of language and

language learning.

3. Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the Target language country

and encourage positive attitudes toward foreign language learning and

towards speakers of foreign languages.

4. Complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general

application.

Assessment: In the Languages departments, assessment is based on the four

National Curriculum attainment targets in order to identify a student’s level at

any stage of the course. In Caxton College, importance is placed on

continuous assessment over each term and students are assessed by formal

examination at the end of each unit.

In addition to this the Languages Departments ask students to assess

themselves and their peers at regular intervals in order to consider their own

individual strengths and weaknesses.

Each term students receive a grade for the work they have completed at home

and in class. An average of the student’s assessments is taken and a grade

awarded, by converting national curriculum levels to Caxton grades.

External Examinations & Qualifications: The department currently follows the

Edexel IGCSE and AS/A” syllabus for Spanish as a Foreign Language.

Teacher: Pilar Tortonda

SPANISH LANGUAGE Y11-E

10


11

Homework: Homework will be set

twice a week.

Y9-E course details: Y9-E will

follow the year 9 final topics at

Key stage 3. These units are

aimed at preparing them for year

10 work. Much of the content in

topics introduces them to some

key concepts in IGCSE Science

Double award. CISC1 students

have more lessons on science

than mainstream to enable

language development.

Assessment Policy: There will be

one summative, and one

formative assessment during

each topic. These are the

assessments that form the term

grade. The end of year grade is

an average of the three term

grades, plus the end of year

exam, which is worth 40% of the

final grade.

Web Pages: We recommend

visiting the following sites. :

- www.bbc .co .uk/schoo ls/

ks3bitesize

Nº of classes per 2-week cycle:

10

Recommendations:

Pupils should not leave their

revision to the last minute.

It is important that the pupils

use their KS3 Revision Guides

as much as possible to support

the work they are covering in

class.

They can use the BBC Bitesize

website to self-assess their

classwork.

It is also important that they

use both the textbook and their

notebooks to revise from.

T h e r e i s a “ S c i e n t i f i c

Experiments” workshop available

d u r i n g c l u b s t i m e o n

Wednesdays.

First Term Second Term Third Term

Extremes The cost of your drink Microbes

Energy Interdependence Sport

Transport of the Future

SCIENCE Y9-E Teacher: Rob Brunell


12

Homework: Homework will be set once a week.

External Exams: Students will take the IGCSE Physics qualification towards

the end of the third term. More information will be given to students during

lesson- time.

Assessment Policy: There will be one summative and two formative assess-

ments during terms one and two. These assessments will form the respec-

tive Term Grades. Term 3 will include an additional summative assessment,

but will be focused on preparation for the IGCSE.

Mock Exam: All students will take a mock exam one month prior to attempt-

ing the actual exam, to make a final assessment of progress and diagnose

areas to be targeted during revision sessions.

Web Pages: We recommend visiting the following sites:

- www.caxtoncollegetic.com

- www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science

- www.s-cool-co.uk/gcse

- www.doddlelearn.co.uk

Number of Classes per 2-week cycle: 11

FAST-TRACK: The Y11-E Physics curriculum is an intensive course of

study, aimed at preparing for the IGCSE Physics qualification. It is

assumed that students will have prior knowledge of the topics be-

low from their previous schools.

IGCSE PHYSICS Y11-E Teachers: Clive Mann, Kyle Ryan


Solids, liquids and

Gases

Radioactivity and

Particles

Electricity (continued)

Waves Forces and Motion Magnetism and

Electromagnetism

Energy Resources and

Energy Transfer Electricity


MATHEMATICS Y9-E Teacher: Alick Dymond


Sequences &

Functions

Correlation,

Data Comparison, Two-

way Tables

Probability

Fractions,

Percentage, Ratio,

BODMAS, Rounding

Circles, Units,

Volume & Surface Area

of Prisms

Enlargement & Scales,

Congruence

Linear Equations,

Trial and

Improvement

Decimals,

Approximation,

Use of a Calculator.

Expanding and Factorising,

Quadratic Expansion,

Formulae

Angles and Polygons,

Loci.

Factorising,

Indices, Roots

Problem Solving and GCSE

Preparation

13

Homework: Homework will be set

twice per week and each piece

should last about 30 minutes. In

addition, pupils are encouraged to

set aside some time over the

weekend to go over their work and

highlight any problems.

Class Structure: Y9-E students will

be following the year 9 curriculum

with the target of entering year 10.


Assessment Policy: Written exams

will be set twice each term in

addition to mental tests and tests of

basic arithmetic.

Informal teacher assessment

through homework and classwork

will also take place continually

throughout the year. Exams will be

tailored to the level of the pupils in

each group and the results of these

exams will be used to determine

group placements and movements.

The end of year exam is worth 40%

of the final grade.

Web Pages:

www.mymaths.co.uk

www.channel4learning.com/apps/

homeworkhigh

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision

Recommendations: Each student

will have a practice book which

should be used on a regular basis

alongside the main text to help

support and reinforce their learning.

This resource is invaluable in

preparing for end of unit exams.

Parents should check pupils’ work

regularly, sign any internal tests and

make sure pupils have the correct

mathematical equipment.


14

FAST-TRACK: The Mathematics course is an intensive course

completed in 1 academic year with mock exams in January and

final Exams in may/June

MATHEMATICS Y11-E Teacher: Alan Mesfin

Course structure: There are 10 clas-

ses in a two week cycle.

Students will be entered for the Higher

paper and sit 2 final exams worth 50%

each at the end of the year. Candi-

dates may achieve grades from D

through to A*.

Homework: Homework will be set once

per week and each piece should last

about 60 minutes. In addition, pupils

are encouraged to set aside some

time over the weekend to go over

their work and highlight any prob-

lems.

Assessment Policy: Written exams

will be set by the teacher in each of

the three terms. Informal teacher

assessment through homework and

class-work will also take place contin-

ually throughout the year.

Web Pages:

www.mymaths.co.uk

www.channel4learning.com/apps/

homeworkhigh

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision

Recommendations: Each student will

have a practice book which should be

used on a regular basis alongside the

main text to help support and rein-

force their learning. This resource is

invaluable in preparing for end of unit

exams.

Parents should check pupils’ work

regularly, sign any internal tests and

make sure pupils have the correct

mathematical equipment.


15

Our main aim in this subject is to encourage

knowledge of oneself, acceptance of oneself and

others, and understanding that there are different

points of view regarding a conflict or problem. For

Y9-E students if will encourage the development of

writing, listening and speaking associated with the

English as a Second Language programme.

Coursework: We will follow the in-house PSC exercise

handbook

Homework: to be handed in when set on the day that

they have class.

Assessment Policy: The evaluation will include written

projects and Oral Presentations.

The work during class time and the homework will

also be evaluated.



Being a Teenager Programme of Solidarity in

the classroom

Well thought-out

Decisions

Personal identity: Who

am I? What do I value?

Influences on our decision-

making process

Responsible

consumption

Drugs Prevention:

Definition and types of

Drugs

Types of decisions

CAREER SKILLS Y9-E Teacher: Joshua Ball

CISC NON-CORE SUBJECTS

Year 9-E non-core subjects:

History, Geography, Career Skills,

ICT and PE

Year 11-E non-core subjects:

Global Citizenship, Business

Studies, PE and ICT.


16

FAST-TRACK: The IGCSE in Global Citizenship Is a two year

course condensed into one year. It will take constructive

application to the projects and discussions involved in the

course.

The main aim of following this IGCSE subject is to develop the English

vocabulary, writing, listening and speaking skills required in

discussing some of the pressing issues around current affairs and

global sustainability issues.

This course covers a wide range of issues including

the following content:

How do communities develop?

Does democracy work?

How does technology change communities?

Can we create a fairer world?

Can I make a difference?

The activities contained in the Programme are

designed to develop awareness of world issues as well

as local issues and involves taking part in a local

community project.

Assessment: Practical research and community

involvement are part of the formal assessment

process. Discussions, presentations and key concepts

test will be the on going internal assessment

Then the final external IGCSE will be an examination of

2 hours which will be based on some of the practical

work carried out throughout the year.

IGCSE IN GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP Y11-E Teacher: Courtney Reece


Homework: 1 per two-week cycle. Homework may

be longer, combined tasks.

Assessment Policy: There will be regular tests after

each unit.

Web Pages:

www.fairtrade.net

www.wateruseitwisely.com

www.oxfam.org

Number of lessons per two-week cycle: 4

Recommendations: Encourage your child to use

the Internet in a constructive way, both for

homework and for keeping an eye on geographical

events. See the above websites for reference.

“Geography is a subject which holds

the key to our future” - Michael

Palin, English comedian, actor, and

television presenter.

17


Introduction to

geography & skills Weather & climate Paradise Lost (Tourism)

Map skills &

vocabulary

The global fashion

industry The future (2030)

GEOGRAPHY Y9-E Teacher: Joshua Ball


18


Why did Slavery exist? Why did the First World War

happen?

What was life like in Nazi

Germany?

What was Slavery like

around the world?

What impact did the First World

War have on Europe?

What impact did the Second

World War have?

How hard was it to stop

Slavery?

The rise of the dictators in

Europe

An introduction to the Holocaust

The Cold War

HISTORY Y9-E Teacher: Joshua Ball

Homework: Homework will be set once every two

weeks and will normally involve 60 minutes’

work. It may involve a range of different

activities. If a student fails to produce homework

on time a note from parents must be produced

stating the reason for this.

Assessment Policy: Y9-E students will follow KS3

and there are a number of formal assessments

throughout and at the end of the year . These will

assess students’ knowledge to some degree but

will focus primarily on the skills that they have

learnt throughout the term.

History is less about memorizing dates and terms

and more about using historical skills effectively.

The termly formal assessments will be

supplemented with rolling class assessment to

ensure a broad and fair range of marks in line

with the English National Curriculum for History.

Web Pages:

www.bbc.co.uk/history

www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk

www.schoolhistory.co.uk

www.historyonthenet.com

www.historylearningsite.co.uk


Recommendations: All students should be

encouraged to take an active interest in history in

a number of ways. This may include being taken

to historical sites, watching historical films and

documentaries and talking to family members

about historical events and people. In addition,

the reading of newspapers is encouraged as it

helps with teaching various historical skills such

as source evaluation and interpretations.

History will be kind to me for I Intend to write it.—

Winston Churchill


19

Homework: Pupils will receive homework occasionally,

when necessary.

Assessment Policy: There will be continual

assessment throughout the year and a final exam

which represents 40% of the overall grade for the

year.

Web Pages:

www.caxtoncollegetic.com

www. teach-ict.com

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize

www.greenfoot.org

Number of lessons per two-week cycle: 4 (Y9-E) 2(Y11

-E)

Recommendations: ICT is an important and essential

part of the curriculum. ICT supports academic

achievement and provides skills for every day life.

Children should be encouraged and made aware of

technology and technological advancements around

them to keep them up to date with an ever changing

society. Children should be encouraged to use

computers as a means of developing and enhancing

their research and communication skills.

There is a special emphasis on touch typing skills so

that by year 10 they will have good typing skills.

ICT Y9-E & Y11-E Teacher: Lewis Wright

The course will cover the use to the different software packages and develop the skills of the students in writ-

ing and presentations skills as well as technical skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and the use of Powerpoint.

The course will also include the use of the internet for research and study skills along with use of the online

www.caxtoncollegetic.com learning platform.

“I think it’s fair to say that personal

Computers have become the most

empowering tool we’ve ever created.

They’re tools of Communications, they’re

tools of creativity and they can be shaped

by their user.”

- Bill Gates.


20


Invasion Game

1

Invasion Game

2 InvNet Game 3

Net Game 1 Net Game 2 Striking & Fielding

Swimming Dance Athletics

Fitness

Assessment Policy: Y9-E will follow the KS3 activity-

ies which are allocated 5/6lessons per unit. Y11-E

will follow a similar programme giving a wide range

of knowledge and skills development in a range of

sporting activities.

The students are continually assessed during the

unit with the last lesson put aside as a formal as-

sessment where the students perform the key skills

covered in the unit as an opportunity to improve

upon the provisional grade the teacher has allocat-

ed them before this lesson.

National Curriculum levels are given for each activi-

ty and an average is calculated at the end of term.

This grade is then converted to a Caxton grade.


P.E. Kit: We insist on all students wearing the

Caxton P.E. uniform of:

- polo shirt,

- white sports socks

- Suitable sport trainers (no Converse trainers).

It is advised that students wear an undershirt or

Caxton tracksuit top on colder days and bring a tow-

el to shower if the activity requires it.

If the correct kit is not available for any reason we

require a note of explanation and other appropri-

ate sporting clothes should be brought. This will

be noted as incorrect kit, but the student will not

receive a low level until 3 incorrect kits have been

accumulated.

If a pupil is unable to take part in the lesson we

require a note. Notes should be written and

signed in the student’s diary on the day of the

lesson.

If a student is unable to take part in the physical

aspect of the lesson they should still change into

kit and be involved as much as possible, taking

the role of referee or leader. This will help main-

tain the professional atmosphere of the class and

keep students who are unable to take part physi-

cally engaged and learning.

Recommendations: It is advised that students

should take part in regular, continuous physical

activity 3 to 5 times a week for a minimum of 20-30

minutes to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“You have no control over what the

other guy does. You only have control

over what you do.” - A J Kitt.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Y9-E & Y11-E Teachers: Chris Mason


21

FAST-TRACK: Intensive one year course

covering the 5 sections of the Business

Studies IGCSE.

Prior knowledge in previous schooling will be

necessary to cover the content at a faster pace.

The main emphasis will be on the English Language

Business vocabulary and concepts

Business Activity

& the Changing

Environment

Human

Resources

Accounting &

Finance

Marketing Production

Course content will include these 5 headings:

Assessment: Mini-tests and Progress reports through-

out the course lead to term grades and monitoring of

success.

The final IGCSE exam consists of ONE 2 hour paper

and covers the 5 areas indicated above.

Homework: as this is a fast-track the students will be

expected to complete 2 pieces of homework a week.

Resources will be found on the schools MOODLE link

and include the web-sites of:

www. bbc-bitesize/business .co.uk

www.businessstudiesonline.com

www.bized.co.uk

IGCSE IN BUSINESS STUDIES Y11-E Teacher:s Les Golding,

Natalie Kay

“Sometimes when you innovate, you make

mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and

get on with improving your other innovations”.

- Steve Jobs


Drama

Throughout the course, students will be given the

opportunity to attend a variety of dramatic

performances, some of them given by professionals,

and others by the Drama Club which runs during

Extra-Curricular Activities.

In addition, the college puts on whole school theatre

productions for pupils at specific points during the

academic year. Professional theatre companies are

invited into school on a regular basis. The

productions are in either English or Spanish. The

productions are a valuable resource for a number of

subjects across the curriculum.

School Trips

The school encourages pupils to develop their

friendships and social interaction beyond the school

day. One of the most important events in this

respect is the Year Trip. This experience enriches

the sense of companionship and promotes the

group ethos, not only amongst pupils, but also with

regard to the relationships formed between students

and teachers.

Campaigns

Throughout the year different campaigns are held to

promote values amongst the students such as

solidarity, respect, tolerance towards other

nationalities and cultures and good relationships in

the school.

Games Day, Athletics Day & Swimming Gala

The PE department arranges 3 Inter-House sports

competitions during the year. “Games Day” primarily

consists of team sports, such as Football and

Basketball, etc.; whilst “Athletics Day” comprises

Field and Track disciplines.

The students can also take part in a variety of

events in the Swimming Gala, both individual and

group. On all of these days, pupils will have the

chance to demonstrate what they have learned

during PE lessons.

Special Days:

Book Day:

On International Book Day all students and staff

take part in a collective 10 minutes of silent reading

of an English text.

Talks by Guest Speakers

At certain times in the year, guest speakers are

invited to give talks on various topics of interest to

the students.

Prize-Giving Evening

In June, there are two Prize-Giving Events for

students from Years 7 to 10, where their academic

achievements as well as their efforts are celebrated.

Each subject department awards a diploma to those

students who have obtained the highest marks in

their subject, or made the best effort this year. In

September we hold another event for Year 12 & 13

students, based on the Year 11 IGCSE and Year 12

A2 results from August.

Clubs Activities:

Teachers offer several Workshops so that students

can further their knowledge in certain subjects, such

as: Conversation clubs in French and German, ICT

workshops or Scientific Experiments. These are held

during clubs time on Wednesdays, from 3.15 to

4.50 pm.

The Choir (“Sound Lab”), meets almost every

lunchtime in the Music Room.

22

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES


23

THE HOUSE SYSTEM

The house system is a tradional feature of English speaking schools. The school is divided into a number

of houses and each student is divdied into a house, thus providing a focus for group loyalty and friendly

competition. Here at Caxton there are four houses, Adventure, Endeavour, Discovery and Endurance.

Throughout the year students are divided into their houses for inter house comptetitions such as, althle-

tics day, a poetry comptetion, a swimming gala and so on. Points are awards to individuals for winning

and particpation in events. The points are totalled at the end of the year where the winning house is crow-

ned and given the inter-house trophy.

Adventure Discovery Endurance Endeavour


24

A pass grade in Y9-E represents grades A to C in the

internal school assessment process

Y9-E students will only be allowed to progress to

mainstream classes in the next academic year

with a maximum of one subject failed. It is

paramount that the minimum of a C grade is

achieved in the IGCSE ESL exams.

Some Y9-E students who show extraordinary

progress may be allowed to move to mainstream

classes with students of their own age.

Other Y9-E students use this as a preparatory

year before moving on to mainstream classes,

but they may be advised to enter year 9 rather

than year 10 if they fail the core subjects. In this

case, they would be a year older than their

classmates.

Evaluation is on-going throughout the year for

Y9-E and Y11-E. There will be a termly report on

effort and academic progression as well as an

end of year evaluation period in June. Students

can only re-sit exams during August if the school

allows it and depending on the circumstances.

A pass grade CISC 2 represents grades A to C in

the external IGCSEs

Y11-E students need to pass the 4 Core subjects

IGCSEs in ESL, Spanish, Maths and Physics and at

least one of the two non-core subjects of Business

Studies and Global Citizenship.

It is necessary to gain A to C grades to enter into the A

level programme within the school. If Maths or

Physics are chosen they have to include Maths and

Physics at grade A to B.

From the first term, students will be monitored

by subject teachers and their tutor if they have

been identified as failing in a subject. They will

be set specific targets for improvement.

Parents of these pupils will be contacted

periodically during the term in order to give

added feedback on their child’s academic

development in a particular subject area.

If, during the term, a student shows

measurable signs of improvement, he/she will

no longer be monitored and can work

independently.

Criteria for Progression from Y9-E & Y11-E

Monitoring of “At Risk” Students

Both Y9-E & Y11-E students must also demonstrate an

adequate level of study skills, behaviour and effort to

enter the following year group.


25

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Education is not only about the transmission of knowledge, but also about the formation of values, habits and

customs.

For this reason, we offer a wide range of extracurricular activities on Wednesday afternoons, including sports,

artistic and academic activities. All students in this Key Stage should enrol in one of these activities as part of their

comprehensive education. Students who do not participate in an extracurricular activity will have to do supervised

private study, including homework.

In May you will receive all the information you need in order to enrol. Activities begin in September and end in

June.

Those students who study Valencian Language will do this during clubs time.

Organisation at home

All pupils will be issued with a homework timetable at the beginning of the academic year. Subject teachers will set

homework according to this timetable and the agreed formula for each subject. Additionally, we recommend that

students devote at least 2 hours a week to those subjects which they feel require more attention.

Sample of CISC 1 homework timetable:

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

WEEK A Maths

Spanish

Science

Geography

Maths

English

History

Spanish

Geography

English

WEEK B ICT

Maths

Science

History

Geography

Spanish

Science

Maths English

HOMEWORK

At Caxton College homework is an important and integral part of the

learning process. It:

Provides an opportunity for staff and pupils to check knowledge and

understanding.

Consolidates learning.

Develops and makes demands upon an individual student’s self-

discipline, as well as important study and research skills.

Provides extra practice of work done in class.

Encourages family involvement in children’s learning.


All students will need a pencil case with: ruler, pencils, pens, rubber, colours etc. They will also need:

1 compass

1 protractor

1 scientific calculator (we recommend Casio FX-85ES or a similar model provided it has the “replay”

function).

1 pen-drive of 2 Gb at least.

Exercise books, available in the school shop

Textbooks for classes will be provided by the school.

For Secondary students to go home alone from the

school bus stop, written permission is needed from

their parents.

Bus changes will not be permitted since the buses

are filled to capacity.

However, a student will be permitted to make his or

her own change from bus to car by requesting this

change in Reception. This will not require parental

permission.

Both Y9-E and Y11-E are required to

wear the standard school uniform,

which can be purchased from the

school shop. It is important that they

wear the uniform to enable the

smooth integration into the school

culture.

Boys wear black trousers with a long-

sleeved shirt and tie in winter, and

girls wear a tartan skirt. In summer,

boys can wear a short-sleeve polo

shirt and shorts. These help to

maintain a level of uniformity and

sense of discipline within the school.

On entrance into Year 12, after the

successful completion of the Y11-E

programme, students are allowed to

wear their own clothes, following the

rules established by the school. A

complete uniform list is available

from the shop.

School material

Transport

26

Uniform

handbook cisc - 2013.14

Education

correct mathematical equipment

local community project

regular basis alongside

international general certificate

apps homeworkhigh www

involves taking part

final external igcse

technology change communities